Discover how infrared light therapy can be a game-changer for midlife pain management. Learn how this natural, non-invasive treatment supports muscle recovery, reduces inflammation and improves overall well-being as we age.
If you’re like me—59, active, and maybe dealing with a few aches and pains—you know how important it is to stay proactive with our health. About ten years ago, I struggled with terrible back pain. Years of activity as a fitness professional, mixed with regular wear and tear, had left me in pain that just wouldn’t go away.
After trying everything, I found a solution in infrared light therapy and daily stretching.
These two became my go-to tools, helping me relieve tight muscles and get back into motion without that nagging pain. Now, it’s become a daily ritual for me — I wear my UV protector every morning as a sort of “preventative medicine.”
And recently, it’s also been a lifesaver for my knee, which has been jacked up, probably from years of overuse. I use an infrared light therapy wrap which has been an easy and effective way to manage the inflammation and get back to what I love.
Let me tell you why I’m such a fan of how this treatment really works to relieve pain and what I’ve learned from experience and research.
The benefits of infrared light therapy for pain management
Infrared therapy isn’t just for back pain—although it’s great for that! It can help with a variety of issues, including:
- Chronic pain: Helps relax muscles and reduce joint pain. Infrared light therapy increases circulation and reduces inflammation to treat pain from long-term conditions such as arthritis, neuropathy, tendonitis and more.
- Acute pain: Helps manage those sudden, sharp pains.
- Injury rehabilitation: It speeds up the healing process after an injury.
- Training recovery: Relieves muscle soreness and improves blood flow so you’re ready for your next session.
- Muscle spasms: Relaxes muscles, preventing tightness that leads to spasms.
How does infrared light therapy relieve back pain?
Back pain, whether from arthritis, everyday strain or injuries, can often feel deeply embedded in our tissues. This is because this type of pain is often due to cellular damage deep within our muscles.
Unlike using heat or ice to treat pain that only works on the surface, infrared light therapy can penetrate through the layers of the skin, reaching deeper into the muscle tissues stimulating cells and increasing circulation to target the pain at the source. Yes, heating pads feel good but they can’t do the job alone!
And something to note, red and infrared light therapy is usually combined to provide maximum pain relief results.
The two light sources can complement each other to treat pain in the body at different tissue depths. They are especially effective when combined with back pain exercises to stretch and strengthen your muscles!
They’re a little different, with infrared being the hero, but here’s what each one does.
Red Light Therapy: Surface Level Benefits
Red light therapy is a solution to improve skin health, thanks to the shorter wavelength that mainly interacts with the surface of the skin. This makes it fantastic for treating fine lines, wrinkles and skin texture.
However, red light also encourages blood circulation, making it a good tool for gentle pain relief, boosting circulation and supporting cellular recovery.
Infrared Light Therapy: Deep Tissue Therapy
Infrared light, on the other hand, has a longer wavelength that penetrates much deeper, reaching beyond the skin into muscle and nerve tissue. This makes it ideal for pain relief and healing below the surface of the skin. By increasing blood flow to targeted areas, infrared light reduces inflammation and supports faster healing.
It is especially effective for people with arthritis, muscle pain or injuries, as it can relieve tightness and discomfort more effectively than red light alone.
In addition, infrared light therapy promotes cell regeneration, which means it can aid in both wound healing and recovery after physical exertion. It is hailed for its ability to safely relieve deeper pain and support tissue recovery.
Most pain relief devices are created using a combination of red and infrared light.
These tools provide powerful results and there is a ton of research to back it up. For example, a study from the National Institutes of Health found that infrared light therapy could reduce chronic back pain by 50% in just six weeks.
That’s exactly how it worked for me!
After 4-6 weeks of consistent use of my dpl® Flex Pad, I was moving freely again.
Now, I use it as my “insurance policy” along with my back strengthening exercises to keep back pain at bay.
The infrared therapy device I use every day
i use it dpl® Flex Pad which is a combination of red and infrared light therapy. It is a large, flexible pad and can be used anywhere on the body. You just charge it and then it’s hands free.
It’s easy to move around and do whatever tasks you have to do around the house.
You can feel better in just 20 minutes, right in your own home! And remember what I said earlier, consistency is the key to pain relief, so having something easy to use at home makes this way more doable.
I also use it dpl® Joint Wrap on my knee. Again, hands free and easy to use. You can also use it on your shoulders, elbows and ankles.
If you were a fly on the wall in my house, you would see me wearing infrared light therapy every morning as I get my coffee and start the morning.
Moreover, it is FSA and HSA approved.
The bottom line
Incorporating this type of treatment it has been a game changer in my routine. For me, it’s about actively investing in my long-term health, listening to my body, and using tools that support my recovery and wellness.
It is non-invasive and not a drug!
If you’re experiencing pain or simply want a method that supports active recovery, consider trying infrared light therapy.
I’m a true believer because I’ve felt the difference — and so can you! (And keep in mind – if you’re shopping, you don’t just want a “red light” product, you want one that also has “infrared light” for more effective results.)
Frequently asked questions about infrared light therapy
Most people experience no side effects from infrared therapy. It is generally accepted as safe and simple to use.
While infrared therapy is generally safe, people with certain medical conditions (such as photosensitivity or certain skin conditions) or those taking medications that increase sensitivity to light should first consult a doctor.
Daily use can be very effective in managing pain and inflammation. I use mine every morning, sometimes twice a day. But you could also start with a few sessions a week and see how it works for you.
Most devices state in their instructions that you really can’t overdo it when it comes to infrared light therapy. Always consult your doctor if you are concerned.
Clothing blocks red and infrared light from reaching your cells, so make sure the infrared light pad is touching your skin to work effectively.
